Turnovers Hurt 'Runners in Loss to Fullerton

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.--Playing at home for the for just the second time in eight games, the CSUB Roadrunners struggled with turnovers, committing a season-high 24 in a 74-62 loss to Cal State Fullerton at the Icardo Center.

The Roadrunner miscues were a big key to Fullerton's success as the Titans scored 29 points off the turnovers, as they built on an 8-point halftime lead as they closed out the half on an 8-0, holding the Roadrunners scoreless over the final 4:20 of the opening frame.

CSUB would battle back in the second half, pulling within four points with 13:17 remaining, but the Titans responded with a 12-3 run over the next five minutes to take control of the game for good. Sammy Yaeger led four Titans in double digits with 18 points on 7-14 shooting and 3-6 from three-point range.

"We knew that they would play hard, I didn't think we came out with the focus that we needed and that's my fault, I take full responsibility for that," said CSUB head coach Rod Barnes. "We've got to get focused, we've got to do the things that we need to do, 24 turnovers is just unacceptable."

The Roadrunners shot the ball 51% from the field, one of their better efforts in recent weeks, but the additional possessions for the Titans created the separation they needed to snap a four-game losing streak to CSUB. The 'Runners won the first meeting on Dec. 6, 72-70 in Fullerton.

Stephon Carter (Sr., Bakersfield Calif., Garces HS) led the way for CSUB with 14 points on 5-8 from the field while both Brandon Barnes (R-Jr., Atlanta, Ga., Lipscomb) and Javonte Maynor (R-So., Atlanta, Ga., Gerogia State) added 11 each and Tyrone White (Sr., Portland, Ore., North Idaho CC) rounded out the Roadrunner leaders with 10 points.

With the 14-point performance, Carter pulls within 57 points of CSUB's all-time career scoring record held by Kenny Warren at 1,521.

CSUB will have 10 days in between games before they host Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Icardo Center.